Senate committee to vote on chemical policy overhaul

Advocates of the plan call it a needed step to toughen EPA’s ability to ensure the safety of many chemicals used in consumer products.

Lautenberg is expected to introduce an amendment aimed at easing industry concerns about protection of confidential business information and other matters.

But a GOP aide said the measure is nonetheless not expected to draw any Republican votes in committee, which signals it would face an uphill battle reaching the 60 Senate votes now needed for most bills.

The Senate EPW Committee will delve into chemicals regulation ahead of the Wednesday markup with a Tuesday hearing on EPA efforts to control exposure to toxic chemicals.

Witnesses will include Jim Jones, who is EPA’s 
acting assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.

The upcoming committee vote arrives amid increasing concern about public health risks from flame-retardant chemicals used in furniture.